Westinghouse NCCO1701 Review: Medical-Grade Odor Elimination
The Westinghouse NCCO1701 combines True HEPA filtration with advanced NCCO technology to capture allergens and neutralize odors, making it a compact solution for mid-sized rooms.
Quick Verdict
7.8/10This Westinghouse model uses medical-grade NCCO technology alongside a True HEPA filter to capture allergens and neutralize odors. It's sized for mid-sized rooms up to 300 square feet, positioning it as a potential option for those prioritizing advanced odor elimination in a compact form factor.
What we like
- Uses NCCO technology for neutralizing odors, not just masking them
- True HEPA filter targets allergens like pet dander and smoke
- Compact design suitable for rooms up to 300 square feet
For those seeking clean air in a mid-sized living space, the Westinghouse NCCO1701 True HEPA Air Purifier presents an intriguing proposition. This unit marries a standard True HEPA filter with what Westinghouse calls medical-grade NCCO (Nanoscopic Confined Catalytic Oxidation) technology, aiming not just to trap particles but to actively break down and neutralize odors at a molecular level. It’s designed for rooms up to 300 square feet, positioning it for use in bedrooms, home offices, or small living areas where allergens and persistent smells from pets, cooking, or smoke are a concern.

This review will analyze the Westinghouse NCCO1701 based on its published specifications, design, and stated features to determine its potential strengths and limitations. The bottom line: The Westinghouse NCCO1701 is a compact air purifier that could be a strong candidate for users whose primary goal is advanced odor elimination alongside allergen capture, all within a relatively affordable package for its feature set.
Prime Westinghouse NCCO1701 Air Purifier for 300 Sq Ft
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Westinghouse NCCO1701 at a Glance
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Model | NCCO1701 |
| Key Technology | True HEPA Filter & NCCO (Nanoscopic Confined Catalytic Oxidation) |
| Recommended Room Size | Up to 300 square feet |
| Product Dimensions | 11.5″ x 6.9″ x 17.4″ |
| Weight | 10 pounds |
| Brand | Westinghouse |
| Primary Functions | Removes allergens, pet dander, smoke, and odors |
| Filter Type | Combination True HEPA and NCCO reactor |
Design and Build
The Westinghouse NCCO1701 sports a compact, vertical tower design with dimensions of 11.5 by 6.9 by 17.4 inches, allowing it to fit on a nightstand, desk, or floor without occupying excessive space. Weighing 10 pounds, it is portable enough to move between rooms as needed. The overall aesthetic is functional and modern, likely designed to blend into various home decors without being overly conspicuous. The build quality, based on the manufacturer’s information, suggests a device built for continuous home use. The control panel is located on the top of the unit for easy access, though the specific layout and button types are not detailed in the available specifications. The intake and output vents are strategically placed to facilitate 360-degree air circulation, a common feature for effective air purification.
Performance and Features
Filtration Technology: HEPA Meets NCCO
The core selling point of the Westinghouse NCCO1701 is its dual-filtration system. First, a True HEPA filter captures microscopic airborne particles. According to the manufacturer, this includes common allergens like pollen, dust, pet dander, and smoke particles. The second and more distinctive stage is the NCCO reactor. Unlike a standard carbon filter that absorbs odors until saturated, NCCO technology is described as using a catalytic process to break down odor molecules and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) into harmless carbon dioxide and water vapor. This “medical-grade” approach is promoted as a method of neutralizing odors permanently rather than masking them, which could be a significant advantage in homes with pets, smokers, or strong cooking smells.
Coverage and Airflow
The unit is rated for spaces up to 300 square feet. This places it firmly in the category for mid-sized rooms such as master bedrooms, large home offices, or modest living rooms. It is not designed as a whole-house solution but rather for targeted air purification. The air changes per hour (ACH) and clean air delivery rate (CADR) are not specified by the manufacturer, so the exact speed and efficiency of air purification in a given space cannot be quantified from the available data. For those needing purification for larger areas or open floor plans, a unit with a higher square footage rating would be necessary. You can explore options for larger spaces in our guide to the best HEPA whole house air purifiers.
Controls and Operation
Details on the control scheme and operational features are limited in the provided specifications. It can be inferred that the unit offers multiple fan speeds to balance cleaning power and noise output. The absence of mention of smart features like Wi-Fi connectivity, app control, or automatic air quality sensors suggests this is a manually operated appliance. Users would typically select a fan speed based on their needs. A filter replacement indicator is a common and crucial feature, but its presence on this specific model is not confirmed by the available data.
Maintenance and Running Costs
Maintenance for the Westinghouse NCCO1701 revolves around the periodic replacement of its dual-filter system. The True HEPA filter has a finite lifespan and will need to be replaced once it becomes clogged with particles. The NCCO reactor also has a lifespan, though its technology is often marketed as longer-lasting than traditional activated carbon. The exact replacement intervals and the cost of replacement filter sets are not listed in the manufacturer’s provided details. Prospective owners should research the availability and pricing of the specific NCCO1701 filter replacements to understand the long-term operating costs. Generally, units with specialized filter technology like NCCO may have proprietary filters that differ in cost and frequency from standard HEPA/carbon combos.
What Owners Say
At the time of this analysis, there are no detailed buyer review excerpts available to summarize user experiences, long-term reliability, or real-world performance nuances like noise levels at different speeds. The product holds a rating, but without textual feedback, it is difficult to gauge common praises or complaints. Potential buyers are encouraged to check the product listing for the most recent user reviews to learn about operational noise, odor elimination effectiveness in real homes, filter longevity, and customer service experiences.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Uses advanced NCCO technology to neutralize odors, not just mask them.
- True HEPA filter captures allergens like pet dander and smoke particles.
- Compact design suitable for rooms up to 300 square feet.
- Medical-grade filtration claim for odor and gas elimination.
- Vertical tower form factor saves floor space.
Cons
- Lack of available user reviews makes real-world performance uncertain.
- Smart features like auto mode or app control are not indicated.
- Filter replacement cost and interval are not specified.
- Coverage is limited to mid-sized rooms, not open areas.
- Performance metrics like CADR are not published by the manufacturer.
Who Should Buy It (and Who Should Skip It)
The Westinghouse NCCO1701 is best suited for individuals dealing with persistent odor issues in a room of roughly 300 square feet. If you have pets, enjoy cooking aromatic foods, or need to mitigate tobacco smoke smell and want a purifier that claims to destroy odors rather than absorb them, this model’s NCCO technology is its key appeal. It’s also a candidate for allergy sufferers in a bedroom or office, thanks to the True HEPA filter. Its compact size makes it ideal for spaces where a larger purifier would be obtrusive.
This purifier may not be the best choice for those needing to clean the air in large, open-plan living areas or entire apartments, as its coverage is limited. If you prioritize smart home integration, automatic operation based on air quality sensors, or have verified data on very high CADR ratings, you should look at other models. Additionally, if low ongoing filter costs are a primary concern, the lack of published details on NCCO reactor replacement pricing is a point for further research. For those specifically concerned with smoke removal, our dedicated guide on the best air purifier to remove smoke smell offers a broader comparison.
Final Verdict
The Westinghouse NCCO1701 True HEPA Air Purifier stands out for its specialized approach to air cleaning. By pairing a standard True HEPA filter with NCCO oxidation technology, it targets both particulate pollutants and gaseous odors in one compact unit. For its stated room size of 300 square feet, it offers a feature set that is notably focused on chemical and odor neutralization, which many standard purifiers only address with basic carbon filters. The potential for more effective and longer-lasting odor control is the central reason to consider this model.
However, the evaluation is based solely on manufacturer specifications due to the absence of detailed user feedback. Key practical details like operational noise, exact filter life, and replacement cost are missing from the available data, which are important factors for a complete assessment. As such, while the NCCO1701 appears to be a compelling option on paper for odor-focused purification in a mid-sized room, prospective buyers should seek out current owner reviews and confirm filter economics before making a final decision. It represents a specific technological solution within the broader landscape of modern air purifiers.
FAQs
How is NCCO technology different from a carbon filter?
Traditional carbon filters work through adsorption, trapping odor molecules within the porous carbon material until it becomes saturated and needs replacement. NCCO (Nanoscopic Confined Catalytic Oxidation) technology, as described by Westinghouse, uses a catalytic process to break down odor molecules and VOCs into harmless carbon dioxide and water vapor. This is promoted as a method of permanently destroying odors rather than temporarily storing them.
What size room is the Westinghouse NCCO1701 for?
The manufacturer recommends the Westinghouse NCCO1701 for rooms up to 300 square feet. This typically includes spaces like medium to large bedrooms, home offices, small living rooms, or studio apartments. It is not designed for large open areas or whole-house purification.
Does it help with allergies and asthma?
The True HEPA filter in the NCCO1701 is designed to capture airborne allergens like pollen, dust mite debris, mold spores, and pet dander, which are common triggers for allergy and asthma symptoms. By removing these particles from the air, it can help reduce exposure and potentially alleviate symptoms for sensitive individuals in the room where it is running.
How often do the filters need to be replaced?
The manufacturer has not published specific filter replacement intervals for the NCCO1701 model in the available data. Filter life depends on usage and air quality. The unit likely has a filter replacement indicator, but buyers should consult the official product manual or Westinghouse customer support for the recommended replacement schedule and cost for the combined True HEPA and NCCO filter set.